Pros & Cons of Metal Softball Cleats

Metal cleats are a somewhat controversial issue among softball athletes. Although there are players who prefer them due to their better traction and durability, there are others who maintain metal cleats are too dangerous and lead to more accidents and injuries. Metal cleats are generally allowed on the softball playing field, but players should weigh the pros and cons of metal cleats before putting them on the bottom of their shoes.

  1. Traction

    • Supporters of metal cleats on softball fields say they give better traction against the clay ground as opposed to plastic cleats. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) actually changed the rules in 2008 to allow metal cleats in softball because they give more traction. According to the federation, metal cleats would be allowed because they give softball players better grip on bases and nearly all surfaces, including hard, wet or under-maintained fields. However, the problem with better grip and traction is that players may injure themselves if they make sudden movements while their feet are still firmly planted in the ground due to cleats stuck in the dirt.

    Durability

    • As opposed to other materials, metal cleats are able to last a lot longer and withstand more wear and tear. This makes metal cleats ideal for those who don't wish to replace their shoes or detachable cleats often. Cleats made of plastic or rubber can quickly wear away due to friction from the running, sliding and hard stops involved in softball.

    Sliding

    • Metal cleats are arguably more dangerous than cleats made of softer materials due to their potential to hurt other players when sliding into a base. Although defenders of metal cleats say they don't pose a threat if an athlete learns how to slide and stop properly, there is a possibility of metal cleats severely scratching or "spiking" another person if there is a collision between two players. It is generally advised that athletes should not wear metal cleats if they aren't confident in their ability to slide into a base without injuring another person.